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How to Repair a Dead Car Key Sometimes extreme heat or cold can cause a car key to stop working properly. Wait a while before replacing it. It's a real pain when the keys to your car fail and they happen at the most difficult times! You can fix a broken key without having to buy another one. Dead Key Fob Battery Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates, without having to search to find a physical key. Some key fobs even come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. The fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery dies then the key fob cannot transmit the signal to activate the vehicle. There are many methods to fix a dead vehicle key fob. The first step is to determine if your key fob is dead. If it appears dead, you will have to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob away from its clip or using a small flat head screwdriver to pry it apart. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could damage the fob. It's also important to be sure you are replacing the correct battery type. Most key fobs use the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your vehicle requires by consulting the owner's manual, or you can visit an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you. You can sometimes revive a key fob that isn't dead by moving it closer to the vehicle. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification) which operates at a short range. The ignition system must be able to detect the signal. If you move just a few inches closer to your car, it might unlock or even start it. Many car manufacturers include a backup mechanism that can be triggered when the battery of the key fob is dead. For example, most Ford models come with a designated slot for the key fob that will turn on the engine if it is properly inserted. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual of how to locate the slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you are unable start your car using this method, make sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance. Broken Key Ring The internal chip in the key fob communicates to the immobilizer of your car in order to start the motor. This chip can be damaged or there could be programming errors. If this occurs the key fob won't be able to transmit the correct identification code and your car won't start. A damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads. There are often warning indicators on your dashboard when the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This could be warnings about errors, flashing lights or the key is not locking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately to request a replacement key fob or repair. If you have a lot of keys, it is easy to scratch the key ring. This could cause the key fob to break in half and is among the most common causes of car keys breaking. You can use super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that drys slowly so that you don't risk drips or runniness. If car key repair cost does not work and you are not sure, seek out a professional locksmith as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is qualified will be able to repair or replace your fob in a short time and make sure that the ignition and door locks do not get damaged in the process. If your key fob gets damaged it can be a hassle and a nuisance. It is not a cause to be in a state of panic or anger. You can make proactive steps to lessen the likelihood of your key fob failing in the future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors, and keeping an extra. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you if your key fob breaks. Broken Key Loop One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the little key ring loop at the top of the loop where it joins the keyfob. It's made of soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded it to make it stronger. But I'm guessing that's not helping. I've also tried to wrap the broken part of ring with clear tape but it didn't work as good. It's a shame because I rely on the small split ring to keep my keys in place. If the case for the key fob is damaged, it's often possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). Online kits are available, but they only provide an interim solution. It's better to get it fixed by a mechanic. Alternately, you may find the replacement case at the home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as expensive as an entirely new key fob.